New Delhi [India]: The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G] Act, 2025 came into effect across rural India on Tuesday, replacing the two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005.
The new legislation guarantees 125 days of wage employment to every eligible rural household in a financial year, increasing the statutory employment guarantee from the earlier 100 days.
The government has allocated Rs. 95,692 crore for the implementation of the new framework during the current financial year.
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According to the Ministry of Rural Development, the Act is aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods, enhancing income security, and accelerating rural development in line with the national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The VB-G RAM G Act retains the legal guarantee of wage employment while placing greater emphasis on timely, transparent, and accountable wage payments. It also provides for an unemployment allowance if work is not provided within the stipulated timeframe.
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The government said the new framework seeks to generate sustainable rural employment while creating durable community assets and supporting long-term economic development in villages.
Speaking on the rollout of the Act, Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said no eligible rural worker should remain without employment even for a single day.
He said the Centre, in coordination with States and Union Territories, has completed all administrative, financial and technical preparations to ensure a smooth transition to the new system.
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The Minister stated that adequate financial resources have been made available, implementation mechanisms are fully operational, and ongoing projects under the previous framework will continue without disruption.
The Ministry said the enhanced employment guarantee under the VB-G RAM G Act is expected to provide greater livelihood security to rural households while contributing to infrastructure creation and inclusive rural growth as part of the government's Viksit Bharat vision.
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